What Not to Buy at Amazon for Cyber Monday 2024

It’s no secret that Cyber Monday boasts some of the best deals of the year on everything from travel essentials to comfy apparel. However, the sheer volume of markdowns can make it difficult to discern between what’s actually worth buying and what’s simply taking up space in your virtual cart. One site this is particularly true for is Amazon — but don’t worry, we’re here to help.

To silence all the noise around the doorbuster sale, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of shopping traps you’ll want to avoid falling into during Cyber Monday, as well as exactly what you should buy instead to maximize your savings while scoring high-quality gear. From swapping expensive luggage for a higher-value set to grabbing your in-flight outfits in bulk, these are the best swaps you could make during this sale, with deals starting as low as $12. 

Don’t Buy: a Single Luggage Tracker

Instead Buy: a Reliable Multi-pack

Apple AirTag 4-pack

If you’re already planning on snagging an AirTag on sale during Cyber Monday, you may as well make the most of the sale and grab a set of four while it’s discounted by 26 percent. These tiny trackers are best used to locate your checked bags while you’re on the move to ensure they’ve made it onto your flight, but even when you’re not traveling they’re a great addition to keychains, wallets, and more. Simply download the “Find My” app on your iPhone and you’ll have instant access to the precise location of this tracker wherever you go.

Don’t Buy: Flimsy Packing Cubes

Instead Buy: Compression Packing Cubes

Bagail 6-set Compression Packing Cubes

With so many great travel accessories on sale at Amazon right now, it can be difficult to discern which are actually worth the investment. So, believe us when we say that you can never go wrong with adding compression packing cubes to your shopping cart — especially when this set of six is on sale for just $17. This set comes with a range of different-sized cubes as well as a convenient shoe pouch to keep your footwear separate from clean laundry. Mesh lids ensure your clothes won’t get musty when they’re packed away during longer trips; plus, the compression feature will save so much more space in your suitcase than standard packing cubes.

Don’t Buy: a Single Suitcase

Instead Buy: a Luggage Set

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable 2-piece Luggage Set

Different trips call for suitcases of varying sizes, so Cyber Monday is the best time to skip over single suitcases and instead opt for a luggage set to prepare for it all. This hardside, expandable duo from Samsonite has an impressive 4.4-star average rating at Amazon, and right now it’s on sale for a whopping 46 percent off, bringing the price down to just $205 for two bags. Both the carry-on and checked bag are fitted with four smooth rolling wheels and a well-organized internal compression system, and their scratch-resistant exteriors will keep them in pristine condition for years to come. After all, there’s nothing better than a two-for-one deal.

Don’t Buy: Earbuds

Instead Buy: Noise-canceling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise-canceling Headphones

While they may be exceptionally packable, earbuds are also far more likely to get lost during your travels compared to a pair of over-ear headphones — plus, many of them don’t provide active noise-canceling. This comfy, highly-rated set from Sony is currently on sale for 43 percent off for Cyber Monday, and, after they effectively eliminate all the background noise of your next flight, you’ll be happy to have added them to your cart. Not to mention they boast an unparalleled 30-hour battery life, with an additional five hours of playtime coming from a simple 10-minute charge.

Don’t Buy: Individual Outfit Pieces

Instead Buy: a Matching Loungewear Set

Prettygarden Women’s Two-piece Sweatsuit Set

Comfy loungewear can transform any trip for the better, but why buy each piece separately when you can instead pick up a stylish duo at a much more affordable price? Now sitting at 22 percent off, this tracksuit from Prettygarden is practically a steal — and each piece can be worn together or separately depending on the look you’re after. Adjustable drawstring pants promise to keep you comfortable even during the most inopportune red-eye flights, while the foldover design of the sweater’s collar adds an upscale touch to this otherwise simple pairing.

Don’t Buy: a Passport Holder

Instead Buy: a Belt Bag

Pander Two-way Zipper Belt Bag

If you’re looking for something to hold your passport and other travel documents while you’re jetsetting, forgo the traditional passport holder for a more multi-functional option: a belt bag. Not only will this compact, yet spacious pouch keep your valuable belongings close to your chest, but it also doubles as a purse that keeps your hands free during travel days, sightseeing tours, and shopping excursions. The basic, black option is on sale for 45 percent off during Cyber Monday — but shoppers also have their choice of 15 other, brighter shades, as well. 

Don’t Buy: Flat Shoes

Instead Buy: Supportive Sneakers

New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Shoes

While you may be tempted to splurge on impractical yet stylish shoes while they’re deeply discounted for Cyber Monday, your travel budget will be better spent on a supportive pair of walking shoes instead. These New Balance sneakers are neutral enough that they’ll pair well with almost anything in your suitcase, plus they feature ultra-cushy midsoles that will keep you fresh on your feet all day long. It certainly doesn’t hurt that they’re on sale for 25 percent off, either.

Don’t Buy: Basic Activewear

Instead Buy: Fleece-lined Leggings

Baleaf Women’s Fleece-lined Leggings

With winter right around the corner, now is a great time to take your activewear up a notch — and not with just any old pair of leggings. With discounts bringing the shopper-loved Baleaf Fleece-lined Leggings down to a mere $26, you can leave all other leggings on the shelf in favor of this deeply discounted pair that’s certain to keep you warm all winter long. They’re far more versatile than traditional leggings (and make for the perfect layer beneath snow gear), and they’ve even earned more than 23,600 five-star ratings.

Don’t Buy: an Extra Personal Item

Instead Buy: a Packable Neck Pillow

Tube The Original Pillow

If you’re a dedicated carry-on-only traveler then you know the lengths you’ll go to pack all your belongings without compromise while still not checking a bag. This handy neck pillow is the solution you’ve been looking for as it not only supports your head and neck during long flights, but also boasts space within where you can pack up to three days’ worth of clothing, according to the brand. It’s on sale for 42 percent off for Cyber Monday, so if you still feel compelled to snag an extra personal item as well, we can’t blame you.

Don’t Buy: a No-frills Toiletry Kit

Instead Buy: a Hanging Toiletry Bag

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag

Finding small ways to remain organized during your travels can make a world of difference. So, if you already have a traditional bottomless pit-style toiletry bag in your cart, take this opportunity to swap it out for this hanging travel bag from Bagsmart. Not only is it fitted with a hook that will mount easily on the back of any door, but its expandable design features a multitude of pockets that keep everything from bottles to makeup brushes neatly stored and separate. Best of all, once folded together this deceitfully compact bag will slip into your personal item with ease. Can any old toiletry bag do that?

Don’t Buy: a Portable Iron

Instead Buy: Wrinkle-free Clothes

Tronjori Women’s High-waist Palazzo Pants

Sure, you could snatch up a portable steamer or iron to pack for your next trip, but why waste the precious space in your luggage when you can instead snag a beautiful pair of wrinkle-free pants during Cyber Monday? After earning more than 13,200 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, you can trust that these $28 pants are a worthwhile investment — and they even come in 28 gorgeous colors and patterns to best align with your personal style. The high-waisted fit and wide-leg design is endlessly flattering and comfy if you do choose to wear them in-flight, and they’re even easy to dress up or down throughout the holiday season.

Don’t Buy: Corded Headphones

Instead Buy: a Bluetooth Audio Adapter

Avantree Relay Bluetooth Audio Adapter

Corded headphones may be trendy right now, but let’s be honest: they’re highly impractical for flying. Whether you’re sitting in the middle seat or the aisle, that extra cord between you and your screen can be a hindrance to seatmates and yourself, which is why you’ll want to snag this compact Bluetooth adapter instead. This handy device allows you to continue to use your cushy noise-canceling headphones without creating a tangle of cords, and it can even connect to two devices at once if you’d like to watch a movie with your seatmate.

Don’t Buy: Packable Wipes

Instead Buy: an Airplane Tray Cover

Airplane Pockets Table Cover

Skip the waste of single-use sanitation wipes during Cyber Monday and instead switch to a longer-term solution for germy flights: a reusable airplane tray cover. This handy organizer boasts an array of pockets that can hold your phone, tablet, and more without ever touching the actual seatback pocket. It keeps everything clean and tidy from takeoff to landing, and even acts as a germ-free surface during mealtimes. When it’s not in use, simply fold it up and tuck it away inside your personal item without ever having to think about disposing of cleaning supplies.

Don’t Buy: a Heavy Duffel Bag

Instead Buy: a Clamshell Backpack

Matein Carry-on Backpack

On the lookout for the perfect personal item bag for trips of any length? Well, you can leave the duffel bag behind this Cyber Monday, and instead opt for a spacious carry-on backpack that offers just as much packing space with more back and shoulder support. This top-rated Matein backpack is compact enough to slide under your airplane seat while still holding everything you need during your flight, and your back will thank you since it’s well-padded and even boasts ventilated panels to keep you cool and comfy.

Don’t Buy: Pepper Spray

Instead Buy: a Portable Safety Alarm

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

Pepper spray is considered a weapon, and is therefore not permitted within airports or even many countries. With that in mind, you’d be much better served snagging a personal safety alarm from Amazon instead — especially while the top-rated She’s Birdie alarm is on sale for 35 percent off. You can keep it on your keychain for easy access while traveling and during your everyday life, and if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, simply pull the pin to set off a blaring alarm. The sound and the accompanying strobe light will scare off any would-be thieves and draw attention to your situation, not to mention it will leave you with peace of mind in the day-to-day. 

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